Rudder assembly for a watercraft having a jet-drive outboard motor

ABSTRACT

A rudder assembly for use with a jet drive motor for a watercraft. The rudder assembly has at least one support member and at least one steering stabilizer member which extend from the at least one support member. The at least one steering stabilizer member has a longitudinal axes which extends in a direction which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor and essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one support member. The at least one steering stabilizer member having sufficient surface area to cooperate with water when the watercraft is travelling at slow speeds, wherein the rudder assembly provides an operator of the watercraft with improved steering control and response at low speeds.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a rudder and, more specifically, to a rudder assembly for a watercraft having a jet-drive outboard motor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An advantage of watercraft or other vessels having jet-drive outboard motors is that they can operate in shallower waters than comparable vessels having propeller-drive outboard motors. Nevertheless, vessels with jet-drive outboard motors are relatively difficult to steer at slow speeds. Consequently, it can be challenging to dock these vessels or maneuver them through congested waterways. Accordingly, there is a need for a rudder assembly that renders a vessel with a jet-drive outboard motor easier to steer at slow speed, but does not significantly interfere with the ability of the vessel to operate in shallow water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment includes a steering stabilizer assembly for use with a jet drive motor of a watercraft. The steering stabilizer assembly has a first support member which extends from the port side of the motor and a second support member which extends from the starboard side of the motor. A first steering stabilizer member extends from the first support member and a second steering stabilizer member extends from the second support member The first and second steering stabilizer members have longitudinal axes which extend in a direction which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor and essentially perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the first and second support members. The first and second steering stabilizer members have sufficient surface area to cooperate with water when the watercraft is travelling at slow speeds, such that the steering stabilizer assembly provides an operator of the watercraft with improved steering control and response at low speeds.

An alternate exemplary embodiment includes a jet drive motor for a watercraft. The motor has a steering stabilizer assembly which extends from the motor proximate the water intake. The steering stabilizer assembly has at least one support member and at least one steering stabilizer member extending from the at least one support member. The at least one steering stabilizer member has a longitudinal axes which extend in a direction which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor. The at least one steering stabilizer member has sufficient surface area to cooperate with water when the watercraft is travelling at slow speeds, such that the steering stabilizer assembly provides an operator of the watercraft with improved steering control and response at low speeds.

An alternate exemplary embodiment includes a rudder assembly for use with a jet drive motor for a watercraft. The rudder assembly has at least one support member and at least one steering stabilizer member which extend from the at least one support member. The at least one steering stabilizer member has a longitudinal axes which extends in a direction which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor and essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one support member. The at least one steering stabilizer member having sufficient surface area to cooperate with water when the watercraft is travelling at slow speeds, wherein the rudder assembly provides an operator of the watercraft with improved steering control and response at low speeds.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of an exemplary jet drive motor, indicating the location of attachment of an exemplary embodiment of a rudder assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the motor of FIG. 1 with the exemplary rudder assembly attached thereto.

FIGS. 3 through 5 are alternate perspective views of the motor of FIG. 1 with the exemplary rudder assembly attached thereto.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the major components of the rudder assembly, specifically, support members and steering stabilizer members.

FIG. 7 shows a of the rudder assembly shown in FIG. 6 prior to assembly to the motor.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of an example of a mounting bracket that can be used to secure the steering stabilization member to a support member.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the exemplary jet drive motor, indicating the location of attachment of a second exemplary embodiment of a rudder assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of support members of the second exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of the support members of FIG. 11 mounted to a water intake of the jet drive motor.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the support members of the second exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11 showing mounting brackets exploded from the support members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details, that the embodiments are not limited to the depicted embodiments, and that the embodiments may be practiced in a variety of alternative embodiments. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail.

Further, various operations may be described as multiple discrete steps performed in a manner that is helpful for understanding the embodiments. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations need be performed in the order they are presented, or that they are even order-dependent. Moreover, repeated usage of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Lastly, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used in the present application, are intended to be synonymous unless otherwise indicated.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate a jet drive outboard engine or motor 10 used to propel a watercraft or the like. A rudder assembly 12 is attached to a section 14 of the jet drive motor 10. Among other advantages, the rudder assembly 12 provides the operator of the watercraft with improved steering control and response, particularly at low speeds required for trolling, maneuvering around obstacles, launching and retrieving operations, etc. While the exemplary embodiment illustrates the rudder assembly 12 attached to an outboard motor, a similar rudder assembly may also be used with a jet drive inboard/outboard motor.

As is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the rudder assembly includes a first support member or fin 20 which extends from the port side of the motor 10 in the port direction and a second support member or fin 22 which extends from the starboard side of the motor 10 in the starboard direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fins 20, 22 are essentially mirror images of each other, however other configurations are possible. Each of the fins 20, 22 has a leading end or edge 24, a trailing edge 26, an inboard side 27 positioned proximate the motor 10 and an outboard side 29 extending away from the motor 10. The leading edges 24 of the fins 20, 22 may be sloped rearward at an angle, thereby allowing the edges 24 to have a reduced thickness for the purpose of reducing drag when the watercraft is moving through the water. Alternatively, the fins 20, 22 may be made of a material which allows the entire area of the fins to have a small thickness, thereby eliminating the need for the edges 24 of the fins 20, 22 to be sloped, while still allowing the fins 20, 22 to have reduced drag when the watercraft is moving through the water.

The inboard side 27 of each fin 20, 22 has a generally arcuate or concave configuration which generally conforms to the shape of the portion of the motor 10 to which the fins 20, 22 are mounted. Indentations 28 may be provided on the inboard sides 27. The indentations 28 are dimensioned to engage a protrusion on the motor 10. The engagement of the indentations 28 and the protrusion aids in preventing the fins 20, 22 and the rudder assembly 12 from rotating or otherwise slipping about the motor 10 during operation.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the fins 20, 22 is provided with annular openings 30, 32 proximate the inboard side 27. Openings 30 are provided adjacent the leading edges 24 and openings 32 are provided adjacent the trailing edges 26. The openings 30, 32 are positioned to align with existing hardware on the motor water intake. The alignment of the openings 30, 32 with the existing hardware allows the fins 20, 22 to be easily mounted onto the existing hardware without the need for additional modifications to the motor 10. While the exemplary embodiment illustrates the fins 20, 22 mounted proximate the water intake, the fins 20, 22 may be mounted in other areas of the motor 10.

The outboard side 29 of each fin 20, 22 has a generally linear configuration to which respective steering stabilizer members 50, 52 attach. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the fins 20, 22 is provided with annular openings 40, 42 proximate the outboard side 29. Openings 40 are provided closer to the leading edges 24 and openings 42 are provided closer to the trailing edges 26. The openings 40, 42 are positioned to align with openings 44, 46 of mounting brackets 48.

The steering stabilizer members or rudders 50, 52 extend from the outboard side 29 of the fins 20, 22. As best shown in and 7, in the exemplary embodiment, the rudders 50, 52 are essentially identical, with rudder 50 being attached to fin 20 and rudder 52 being attached to fin 22. Each of the rudders 50, 52 has a leading end or edge 54 and a trailing edge 56. The leading edge 54 has V-shape, in which the point of the V is facing the bow of the watercraft to allow the rudders 50, 52 to have reduced drag when the watercraft is moving through the water. The leading edges 54 may also be sloped rearward at an angle, thereby allowing the edges 54 to have a reduced thickness for the purpose of reducing drag when the watercraft is moving through the water. Alternatively, the rudders 50, 52 may be made of a material which allows the entire area of the fins to have a small thickness, thereby eliminating the need for the edges 54 of the rudders 50, 52 to be sloped, while still allowing the rudders 50, 52 to have reduced drag when the watercraft is moving through the water.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the rudders 50, 52 is provided with annular openings 60, 62. Openings 60 are provided closer to the leading edges 54 and openings 62 are provided closer to the trailing edges 56. The openings 60, 62 are positioned to align with openings 64, 66 of mounting brackets 48 (FIGS. 8 and 10).

The rudders 50, 52 are mounted onto the fins 20, 22 by use of the mounting brackets 48. Openings 60 are aligned with openings 64 and openings 62 are aligned with openings 66 and mounting hardware 68 is inserted to maintain the rudders 50, 52 is position relative to the mounting brackets 48. Openings 40 are then aligned with openings 44 and openings 42 are aligned with openings 46 and mounting hardware 68 is inserted to maintain the mounting brackets 48 is position relative to the fins 20, 22. In so doing the rudders 50, 52 are maintained in position relative to the fins 20, 22 and relative to the motor 10. The order in which the rudders, fins and mounting brackets are joined can be varied. Alternatively, each fin and rudder may be one piece, with the fin having the respective rudder integrally manufactured therewith.

As shown in FIG. 3, each rudder 50, 52 has a longitudinal axis which extends in a direction which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motor 10 and essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fins 20, 22. However, other orientations of the rudders may be used. Each rudder 50, 52 must have sufficient surface area to cooperate with the water when the watercraft is travelling at slow speeds to provide the steering response required for controlled operation of the motor 10 and the watercraft. In the embodiment shown, the rudders 50, 52 project above and below the plane defined by the fins 20, 22. This allows the rudders 50, 52 to be used in areas of shallow water without causing damage to the rudders 50, 52 or the motor 10. However, the positioning of the rudders 50, 52 relative to the fins 20, 22 may be varied while still allowing the rudders 50, 52 to provide the control required.

The rudder assembly 12 stabilizes the watercraft when traveling at a slow speed. This allows more control when trolling with the jet drive motor 10. The rudder assembly 12 also helps when driving the watercraft onto a trailer because of the additional steering control that is present at slow speeds. In addition, the use of the rudder assembly 12 can help to counteract the natural tendency of a watercraft to turn to one side or another when it starts in motion. The watercraft will accordingly steer in a straight line. Directional control of the watercraft is accordingly enhanced with the use of the rudder assembly 12.

The rudder assembly 12 is easy to assemble and can be easily retrofitted onto existing motors. It can be installed in approximately 15 minutes, and no drilling is required for installation. The tools required to install the rudder assembly generally are relatively simple. For example, an embodiment of the rudder assembly can be installed using an appropriate hex wrench.

The fins 20, 22, rudders 50, 52, mounting brackets 48 and hardware 68 may be constructed of stainless steel or other non-corrosive metals. However, it is possible to use metals other than stainless steel such as, but not limited to, aluminum. Alternatively the fins and rudders may be made from thermoplastic material. It is understood that any suitable metal, plastic or other material having the appropriate strength and corrosive resistant properties may be used. A coating may also be applied to the material to improve its performance and characteristics in marine conditions. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mounting hardware 68 is shown to be bolts, nuts and washers, but other types of mounting hardware can be used.

Referring to FIGS. 10 through 13, an alternate exemplary embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the operation of the rudder assembly 112 is the same as rudder assembly 12. The difference between the embodiments relates to the mounting of the fins 120, 122 to the motor 10. Rather than having annular opening 30, 32 which extend through the fins 20, 22 to cooperate with the existing hardware on the motor water intake, mounting brackets 131 are provided. The mounting brackets 131 are mounted to the fins 120, 122 using known hardware 133 or the like which extend through openings 137 of fins 120, 122 and openings 139 of mounting brackets 131. Annular openings 130, 132 are provided on, and extend through the mounting brackets 131. The openings 30, 32 are positioned to align with existing hardware on the motor water intake 135. The alignment of the openings 130, 132 with the existing hardware allows the fins 120, 122 to be easily mounted onto the existing hardware without the need for additional modifications to the motor 10. While the exemplary embodiment illustrates the fins 120, 122 mounted proximate the water intake, the fins 120, 122 may be mounted in other areas of the motor 10. The use of the mounting brackets 131 provides the fins 120, 122 with increased mounting stability and strength. In addition, the manufacturing tolerances associated with the fins 120, 122 need not be as precisely controlled, as the mounting brackets 131 can accommodate slight misalignment of the fins 120 with the mounting hardware of the motor 10.

While the written description has referred to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the patentable scope as defined by the claims. Therefore, it is intended that the patentable scope not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but rather other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

1. A steering stabilizer assembly for use with a jet drive motor of a watercraft, the steering stabilizer assembly comprising: a first support member extending from the port side of the motor and a second support member extending from the starboard side of the motor; a first steering stabilizer member extending from the first support member and a second steering stabilizer member extending from the second support member, the first and second steering stabilizer members having longitudinal axes which extend in a direction which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor and essentially perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the first and second support members, the first and second steering stabilizer members having sufficient surface area to cooperate with water when the watercraft is travelling at slow speeds; wherein the steering stabilizer assembly provides an operator of the watercraft with improved steering control and response at low speeds.
 2. The steering stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second support members are mirror images of each other.
 3. The steering stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second support members has a leading end or edge, a trailing edge, an inboard side to be positioned proximate the motor and an outboard side to extend away from the motor, the leading edge is sloped rearward at an angle, whereby the leading edge has a reduced thickness for the purpose of reducing drag when the watercraft is moving through the water.
 4. The steering stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein an inboard side of each first and second support member has a generally arcuate configuration which generally conforms to the shape of the portion of the motor.
 5. The steering stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein at least one indentation is provided on each inboard side, the indentations are dimensioned to engage protrusions on the motor, whereby the engagement of the indentations and the protrusion aids in preventing the first and second support members from rotating or otherwise slipping about the motor during operation.
 6. The steering stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein each of the support members is provided with openings proximate the inboard side, the openings are positioned to align with existing hardware on the motor, whereby the steering stabilizer assembly can be mounted onto the motor using the existing hardware without the need for additional modifications to the motor.
 7. The steering stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the steering stabilizer members extend from the outboard sided of the support members.
 8. The steering stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the steering stabilizer members has a leading edge and a trailing edge, each leading edge having a V-shape, in which the point of the V is facing the bow of the watercraft, the shape of the leading edges allows the steering stabilizer members to have reduced drag when the watercraft is moving through the water.
 9. The steering stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the steering stabilizer members project above and below the plane defined by the support members, whereby the steering stabilizer assembly can be used in areas of shallow water without causing damage to the steering stabilizer members or the engine.
 10. A jet drive motor for a watercraft, the motor comprising: a steering stabilizer assembly extending from the motor proximate the water intake, the steering stabilizer assembly comprising: at least one support member and at least one steering stabilizer member extending from the at least one support member, the at least one steering stabilizer member having a longitudinal axes which extend in a direction which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor, the at least one steering stabilizer member having sufficient surface area to cooperate with water when the watercraft is travelling at slow speeds; wherein the steering stabilizer assembly provides an operator of the watercraft with improved steering control and response at low speeds.
 11. The jet drive motor as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one support member comprising first and second support members which are mirror images of each other.
 12. The jet drive motor as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the first and second support members has a leading end or edge, a trailing edge, an inboard side to be positioned proximate the water intake and an outboard side to extend away from the water intake, the leading edge is sloped rearward at an angle, whereby the leading edge has a reduced thickness for the purpose of reducing drag when the watercraft is moving through the water.
 13. The jet drive motor as recited in claim 11, wherein an inboard side of each first and second support member has a generally arcuate configuration which generally conforms to the shape of the portion of the motor proximate the water intake.
 14. The jet drive motor as recited in claim 13, wherein at least one indentation is provided on each inboard side, the indentations are dimensioned to engage protrusions on the motor proximate the water intake, whereby the engagement of the indentations and the protrusion prevents the first and second support members from rotating or otherwise slipping about the motor during operation.
 15. The jet drive motor as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one steering stabilizer member extends from the outboard sided of the at least on support member.
 16. The jet drive motor as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least a portion of the at least one steering stabilizer member projects above the plane defined by the at least one support member, whereby the steering stabilizer assembly can be used in areas of shallow water without causing damage to the steering stabilizer assembly.
 17. The jet drive motor as recited in claim 10, wherein the motor is an outboard motor.
 18. A rudder assembly for use with a jet drive motor for a watercraft, the rudder assembly comprising: at least one support member and at least one steering stabilizer member extending from the at least one support member, the at least one steering stabilizer member having a longitudinal axes which extends in a direction which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor and essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one support member, the at least one steering stabilizer member having sufficient surface area to cooperate with water when the watercraft is travelling at slow speeds; wherein the rudder assembly provides an operator of the watercraft with improved steering control and response at low speeds.
 19. The rudder assembly as recited in claim 18, wherein the at least one support member comprising a first support member and a second support member.
 20. The rudder assembly as recited in claim 18, wherein the at least one steering stabilizer member comprising a first steering stabilizer member and a second steering stabilizer member, at least a portion of the first and second steering stabilizer members extend above the plane defined by the at least one support member and above a water intake of the motor, whereby the rudder assembly can be used in areas of shallow water without causing damage to the rudder assembly. 